Windows 10 comes preinstalled with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, formerly known as Windows Defender. If you’ve been paying close attention to the Task Manager, you may have seen the antimalware service executable working its magic. It is an essential process of Windows Security (and aids in protecting your system from malware.

If your computer is performing slowly, another name for the program is MsMpEng.exe.

, maybe using all your resources. Although it is easy to disable the process, it is advised to be aware of its objectives and how it may actually compromise the security of your PC. Keep reading to know more things about the antimalware service executables.

What Is the Antimalware Service Executable?

The antimalware service executable assists in protecting your computer from malware and other viral threats, as its title implies. MsMpEng.exe can be seen in Task Manager as the background process for the integrated Microsoft Defender antivirus application. Microsoft Defender was the previous name for Windows Defender. 

It keeps working in the background without ceasing. Everything a security system like Defender must do is under its control, including checking files you browse for malware, running background system scans to seek for harmful software, upgrading antivirus definitions, and more.

When performing scans and updates, the antimalware service executable process uses greater resources. This characteristic is present in all antivirus software.

When use is at its highest, they usually use more resources. However, the usage must resume to normal after a scan or update.

You can run scans, check Microsoft Defender’s scan history, and customize Microsoft Defender using the Windows Security system that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

This program was formerly known as the “Windows Defender Security Centre.” Start Windows Security by selecting the shortcut on the Start menu. Right-clicking the shield icon in the taskbar’s notification area will also bring up a context menu where you may select “View Security Dashboard,” or you can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.

Should You Disable the Antimalware Service Executable?

You might be wondering why you should even think about disabling the Antimalware Service Executable given how essential it is to safeguard your PC. If you don’t have a third-party antivirus program installed on your computer, Windows Security is the only defense you have against viruses that could be hazardous. 

The antimalware service executable immediately enables itself and starts defending your PC as part of Windows Security if you don’t install any third-party antivirus software on it.

Disabling the Antimalware Service Executable process is not ideal. However, it could be wise to stop the Antimalware Service Executable if you have a reputable third-party antivirus program installed and it is still using a significant amount of RAM or CPU.

Why Use So Much CPU by the Anti-Malware Service Executable?

This is the biggest issue with the program. A system scan for malware may be taking place if the antimalware service executable is consuming a lot of CPU or memory resources. Like other antivirus programs, this built-in application routinely examines the data on your computer in the background. 

Unfortunately, your computer will slow down and use a lot of CPU resources when the scheduled Windows Defender check is running. Microsoft Defender does a background investigation when your machine is unprotected and idle.

Your computer can use the CPU even when it is not in use to perform updates or scan files when you access them. The background scans on your computer shouldn’t be running when you’re using it.

How to Disable the Antimalware Service Executable And Reduce The CPU Usage 

Disable Windows Security in the Registry Editor

You must turn off Windows Security in the Registry Editor if you’re seeking a more long-lasting way to disable the antimalware service executable.

Launch the Registry Editor by searching for it in the Start menu and selecting “Registry Editor” to disable the Antimalware Service Executable. Then use the sidebar to navigate to HKEY LOCAL MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows Defender. Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu when you right-click on the Windows Defender folder.

Put 1 in the Value data field and DisableAntiSpyware in the Value name field.

To make your changes effective, restart your computer after pressing OK to save your changes.

Disable Realtime Protection

If the  antimalware service executable process is frequently using a lot of system resources, you can temporarily turn off real-time malware protection using Windows Security:

Search for Windows Security in the Start menu and choose the best match.

First, use the sidebar to navigate to Virus & threat protection.

Then look for the options for virus and threat protection, and then click the Manage settings button that appears beneath it. Put the Real-time protection toggle button in the Off position to turn it off. Windows Security will automatically reactivate real-time defense.

Adjust The Scheduling Options For Windows Defender

To reduce the CPU usage of the antimalware service executable. Press Win + R on your keyboard together to bring up the Run box. In the Run box, type the command taskschd. MSC. then press and hold twice to select “Task Scheduler Library.” 

After selecting “Microsoft,” double-tap “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan,” and then pick “Windows” > “Windows Defender.” After unchecking “Run with highest privileges” on the property window, uncheck all of the boxes in the “Conditions” column.

Update Your All Drivers

Another option is to try updating all of your active device drivers. The updated drivers provide faster and smoother PC operation. By accessing the manufacturer’s official website and looking for the most recent driver for the specific device, you can manually update your drivers. Make sure the drivers you select are compatible with the Windows version you are using.

Is Windows Defender a Reliable Antivirus?

Many people are made to assume that additional antivirus software is necessary because of the fantastic marketing that antivirus companies have done for their products. However, Windows Defender has significantly improved in recent years (especially with Windows 10) with new updates almost every week and with the antimalware service executable services.

There are a variety of excellent antivirus solutions available, like Avast, which includes a free version that can use less system resources than the Windows default.